Phillips’ faith in Kitna remains high

Wade Phillips didn’t mince words when asked what he thought of the errant pass by Jon Kitna that resulted in Dez Bryant injuring his ankle.

“I thought that was a bad throw, that one throw,” Phillips said.

But that doesn’t mean the coach isn’t a fan of Kitna, who didn’t take a snap last season.

“I’m glad he didn’t play because you want Tony to be well,” Phillips said. “But this guy is a good quarterback. He could start and play well for a lot of teams this year. I don’t think there’s any doubt about it…I really know he can play, and the key is the rest of the players know he can play.”

Kitna, who turns 38 in September, is preparing for his 14th NFL season. Disappointed in the play of Brad Johnson, the Cowboys acquired Kitna in a trade after the 2008 season that sent cornerback Anthony Henry to Detroit.

Phillips said Kitna has a greater understanding of the offense. The coach also likes his arm.

“He still has a very live arm. I think that’s the key thing we really like about him – he’s got a real quick arm, a real live arm and a strong arm,” Phillips said. “And he’s progressed as far as learning what we want out of reads and so forth.

“I think he has fit in well. I think the guy can play. I really think we have a gem there.”

Phillips also credited Kitna’s play in practice last season with helping the defense develop into one of the strongest units in the league by the end of the regular season.

“He helped our defense last year because playing against him is tough,” Phillips said. “He knows where to go with the football…If you don’t disguise well in practice, he’s going to get the ball to the weakness of your defense. I thought he helped us a whole lot there.”